I don't think the actual nuts and bolts of the poll as it stands is really the debate here, more the concept of repercussions for hiring and firing party members.
Which I think is a splendid idea, if we're looking for complex, many-layered companions to interact with rather then armour-plated robots then their reaction to parting ways should be unique to that character. A sell-sword might demand his pay, a necromancer might attack you, a samurai might commit seppuku - why not? In my view choices should have consequences and the added inconvenience of negotiating a separation simply adds to the tactical element of making that choice.